Deaths on January 28

Gregory Jarvis, American captain, engineer, and astronaut (b. 1944)

Gregory Bruce Jarvis (August 24, 1944 – January 28, 1986) was a distinguished American electrical engineer and pioneering payload specialist for Hughes Aircraft, whose life was tragically cut short during the catastrophic destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger. He was aboard mission STS-51-L, serving in a pivotal role for the deployment of a critical communications satellite, embodying the growing collaboration between private industry and the burgeoning space program.

Early Life and Engineering Prowess

Born in Mohawk, New York, Gregory B. Jarvis demonstrated an early aptitude for science and technology. His academic pursuits led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1967, followed by a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in 1969. Upon completing his education, Jarvis embarked on a distinguished career at Hughes Aircraft Company, a major aerospace and defense contractor. At Hughes, he became a highly regarded electrical engineer, specializing in the intricate design and development of advanced communications satellites. His expertise significantly contributed to the advancement of satellite technology, laying the groundwork for his eventual selection as a civilian participant in NASA’s space missions.

Path to Space: A Payload Specialist's Role

Jarvis joined NASA's astronaut corps not as a career astronaut, but as a payload specialist, a unique role created to integrate individuals with specific scientific or commercial expertise directly relevant to a mission's objectives. In this capacity, payload specialists were responsible for operating particular experiments or deploying specialized satellites, bringing their unique knowledge base directly into the space environment. Gregory Jarvis was officially selected by NASA in 1984, a testament to his extensive experience at Hughes Aircraft where he had played a key role in the development of the Leasat (Syncom IV) series of communications satellites. His specific and crucial task on the STS-51-L mission was to manage the deployment of the Leasat F3 satellite, also known as Syncom IV-3, a vital asset for military communications.

The Ill-Fated STS-51-L Mission and Challenger Disaster

The Space Shuttle Challenger's STS-51-L mission, launched on January 28, 1986, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, was intended to be a routine scientific and commercial flight with ambitious objectives, including the deployment of two communications satellites and a range of scientific experiments. However, just 73 seconds after liftoff, the shuttle tragically disintegrated due to a catastrophic failure in an O-ring seal within the right solid rocket booster (SRB), leading to structural failure of the external tank and the subsequent break-up of the orbiter. This devastating event resulted in the immediate loss of all seven crew members, including Gregory B. Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe (the first teacher in space), and five career astronauts. The Challenger disaster remains a profoundly somber moment in space exploration history, leading to an extensive investigation and significant reforms in NASA's safety protocols and launch procedures. Jarvis's presence on board underscored the burgeoning trend of integrating specialists from private industry into human spaceflight, bridging the gap between commercial endeavors and government-led space exploration.

Legacy of an Engineer and Pioneer

Although his journey into space was tragically brief, Gregory Bruce Jarvis is remembered for his unwavering dedication as an engineer and his pioneering role as a commercial payload specialist. His significant contributions to satellite technology during his tenure at Hughes Aircraft and his commitment to the STS-51-L mission underscore the inherent risks and profound aspirations associated with human spaceflight. He represents the many dedicated professionals whose work behind the scenes enables the advancement of space exploration and technology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gregory B. Jarvis and STS-51-L

Who was Gregory Bruce Jarvis?

Gregory Bruce Jarvis was an American electrical engineer and a payload specialist for Hughes Aircraft. He was a crew member on the Space Shuttle Challenger's STS-51-L mission and tragically died in the shuttle's destruction in 1986.

What was Gregory Jarvis's specific role on the Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51-L?

On STS-51-L, Gregory Jarvis served as a payload specialist representing Hughes Aircraft. His primary responsibility was to oversee the deployment of the Leasat F3 (Syncom IV-3) communications satellite, a project he had extensively contributed to as an engineer at Hughes.

What is the difference between an astronaut and a payload specialist?

A payload specialist is typically a non-career space traveler, chosen by NASA or a commercial entity, for a specific mission due to their expert knowledge of a particular experiment, commercial payload, or specialized equipment. Unlike career astronauts, they do not undergo the full, extensive astronaut training curriculum but are vital for specific mission objectives.

When and how did Gregory Jarvis die?

Gregory Jarvis died on January 28, 1986, during the destruction of the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51-L. The disaster occurred just 73 seconds after liftoff when a faulty O-ring in one of the solid rocket boosters led to the disintegration of the spacecraft, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members.

What was the primary purpose of the STS-51-L mission?

The STS-51-L mission had several key objectives, including the deployment of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-2 (TDRS-2) and the Leasat F3 (Syncom IV-3) communications satellite. It also famously carried Christa McAuliffe, who was designated to be the first "teacher in space."